Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is there a deadline for making application to the program?

Yes. Applications should be received no later than August 1st of each year. Exceptions to this deadline have been made in the past when extenuating circumstances existed. If this is the case, students are strongly encouraged to contact the Program Director as soon as possible. Students are encouraged to look at the Admission and Program Requirements.

2. How many students are accepted into the program each year?

The number of open positions varies year to year depending on the number of students that graduate, do not meet all admissions requirements, etc. Students are encouraged to look at the Admissions Criteria Checklist for a complete listing of application requirements. The maximum number of students in the program will be 24.

3. If all open positions are currently filled, can I still apply to be in the program?

Yes. Because students are not officially admitted into the program until the end of their Freshman year, there is always the possibility that someone will not meet all admission requirements, thus opening positions for other students.

4. Are transfer students allowed to make application to the program?

Yes. Students may transfer any General Education Requirements. Courses within the major, however, must be approved by the Program Director. Transfer students are required to complete a Transfer Course Requirement form for each course listed in the major they wish to transfer. This form should be included in all application materials sent to the Program Director. Acceptance by the registrar for transfer credit does not mean that a course will be accepted by the Program Director. In some cases, students are required to repeat a course in order to ensure that all competencies / proficiencies within the course are met.

5. Are scholarships available for athletic training students?

Yes. Students must meet several criteria, as outline in the ATEP Scholarship Policy, prior to being awarded scholarship monies from the program. All students meeting the criteria (including first-time Freshman) are awarded money. The amount awarded varies by student, but most awards will help to cover the cost of textbooks. Students are also strongly encouraged to contact theOffice of Financial Aidfor information on other scholarships, grants, etc., available from other sources.

6. Do I need previous athletic training experience to be in the program?

No. However, previous experience is beneficial for the student during the application process.

7. How long does it take to complete the program?

The Athletic Training Education Program at ETBU is an eight (8) semester program. In order to complete all curriculum and clinical experience requirements, all students (including transfer students) should expect to dedicate a full four years to the process.

8. If I am accepted into the program, will I be allowed to have an off-campus job to help with financial responsibilities if needed?

Yes, with the understanding that any off-campus employment must not interfere with the students' required course work or clinical experiences. It is often very difficult for a student to accomplish this. Students are also required to meet with the Program Director prior to accepting any employment position.

9. Are the students in the program expected to purchase their own uniforms?

The program at ETBU provides students with uniforms for practices (T-Shirts) and competitions (Polo Shirts). If the ATEP budget allows, students may also receive sweatshirts and on occasion, running suits. Students must provide their own shorts for practices and khaki shorts and pants for competitions.

10. Can I be an athletic training student and an intercollegiate athlete at the same time?

Yes, however, both activities require extra time from the student and often student athletes have a difficult time gaining the required clinical experience hours required in conjunction with the Practicum in Athletic Training courses. Students who choose to follow this route must be very meticulous with their time management skills.

11. How many hours per week will I work in conjunction with the clinical experiences?

Athletic training students admitted into the program generally average 15-20 hours per week in clinical experiences. These hours include duties in the athletic training facilities, coverage at practices and competitions, and depending on the students' assigned rotation, time at an affiliated setting off-campus. Also, there are many week-end and holiday activities that students are expected to participate in.

12. Will I be required to work all practices and competitions?

Students are expected to participate in all athletic training facility duties, and practices and competitions within their clinical rotation. Students may also be asked help in other supervised rotations in the event the sport within their assigned rotation is out of town or not practicing for whatever reason.

13. Are athletic training students allowed to travel with the various teams?

Yes, depending on the students' level of maturity, skill and clinical rotation assignment. Students who are allowed to travel unsupervised do so voluntarily and with the understanding that they are acting as First Responders only.

14. What exactly is a clinical rotation?

A clinical rotation is an area of potential learning for the students. These rotations are divided into several areas: a) Equipment Intensive, b) Upper Extremity, c) Lower Extremity, d) Gender specific, and e) General Medical. Sports or affiliated sites that fall under these categories are those the student will be working with. During these clinical rotations, students are provided with opportunities to learn and master specific proficiencies (skills) under the supervision of a certified athletic trainer.

15. Are athletic training students expected to be members of professional organizations?

No, however, this is strongly encouraged. Being a member of aprofessional organization or a student organization can be a valuable asset for the student. Many organizations offer not only contact with other professionals and students, but very often have scholarships available to member students. It is an opportunity for students to learn from others in the profession. Students are also encouraged to attend professional and student meetings as often as possible.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to Him, and He will direct your paths. (Pro. 3:5-6)